European Commission - Statement Statement Statement Brussels, 20 February 2015 European day for victims of crime is celebrated on 22 February. To mark this occasion Commissioner Jourová said: "Every year 75 million people fall victim to crime across the European Union.

European Commission - Fact Sheet Brussels, 20 February 2015 The Victims' Rights Directive will give victims of crime stronger rights to support and protection across the European Union. EU Member States have until 16 November this year to implement the rules into national law.

European Commission - Statement Brussels, 06 February 2015 Joint Statement on the International Day against Female Genital Mutilation High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, Federica Mogherini, Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, Vĕra Jourová, and Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica, issued...

European - Fact Sheet Commission Brussels, 06 February 2015 The EU is fully committed to combatting all forms of gender-based violence both within the EU and in our external relations. What is FGM? Female genital mutilation consists of the (partial or complete) removal of the external female genitalia, and the...

European Commission - Statement Brussels, 28 January 2015 "Today marks the 9th European Data Protection Day. It is a day to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of protecting personal data, a fundamental right for everyone in the EU.

Did you know that only 16% of employed people work in mixed occupations? By using new investigating methods, this report shows the prevalence of gender segregation by occupation and its consequences on working conditions and wages.

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 09 January 2015 As of this Sunday, victims of violence - notably those who have suffered domestic violence or stalking – will be able to guarantee themselves better protection in any EU Member State.

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 09 January 2015 New rules applying as of tomorrow mean businesses and consumers will be able to resolve cross-border legal disputes more easily – bringing expected savings of up to €48 million each year in the EU.

European Commission - Statement Statement Statement Brussels, 12 December 2014 The fight against discrimination is a key priority for the Juncker Commission and it is my mission to unblock the negotiations on the Equal Treatment Directive.

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 04 December 2014 A "rescue and recovery" approach to insolvency will give viable businesses a second chance when facing financial difficulties cross-border – following political agreement by ministers in the Justice Council today.

The Commission has published a study on "statistical data on women entrepreneurs in Europe". Data shows that women entrepreneurs constitute 29% of entrepreneurs (11.6 million) in Europe. Since 2008 there has been a 3%increase of women entrepreneurs in the EU.

In October 2014, Finland hosted a seminar to discuss the role of men in gender equality. Austria and Iceland joined the seminar as associated countries and presented their policies on supporting paternity and parental leave. A total of 15 countries participated in the seminar and produced discussion and comments papers, which are now available online.

On 6-7 November 2014, the Beijing+20 Regional Review Meeting was held in Geneva. The meeting, which was organised by the UN Economic Commission for Europe, addressed the 'unfinished business of gender equality'.

European Commission [Check Against Delivery] Martine Reicherts EU Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Speech - Conference organised by the EU Fundamental Rights Agency on "Tackling sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination" Brussels, 28 October 2014 Main messages We have been working to strengthen the rights of LGBTI persons...

European Commission [Check Against Delivery] Martine Reicherts Justice Commissioner Speech - Gender Equality in Europe – An unfinished Business? Rome, 24 October 2014 Ministers, Excellences, Ladies and gentlemen, First of all, I would like to thank our hosts, the Italian Presidency, for making this conference possible.

European Commission Brussels, 24 October 2014 Statement Ahead of the European Day of Justice tomorrow, I would like to reflect on how far we have come in developing a common European area of justice, and to celebrate the progress we have made together.

European Commission [Check Against Delivery] Martine Reicherts Justice Commissioner Speech - International Child Abduction in the European Judicial Space Conference Rome, 23 October 2014 Ladies and gentlemen, Europeans increasingly move across borders – to live, study, work in another Member State, and to form couples and families.

If you want to follow the next steps in the discussion on gender equality policies post-2015, please watch the discussion at the Italian Presidency conference co-financed by the European Commission. Relevant stakeholders, including EU gender equality ministers, EU institutions, policy makers, NGOs, social partners, experts from the 28 EU Member States, and UN-Women, will discuss achievements of and future challenges for the promotion of gender equality in the EU and on a global level.

European PRESS RELEASE Brussels, 16 October 2014 Commission The European Commission has today decided to refer the Republic of Italy to the Court of Justice of the European Union for not adequately implementing EU rules on compensation for victims of crime (Directive 2004/80/EC).

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 16 October 2014 October October In its monthly package of infringement decisions, the European Commission is pursuing legal action against Member States for failing to comply properly with their obligations under EU law.

On 11-12 September 2014 the UK hosted a seminar on encouraging female entrepreneurship. A total of 13 countries participated in the meeting, all of which have produced discussion and comment papers. These papers are now available online.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 8 October 2014 European Union Justice and Home Affairs ministers will meet in Luxembourg on 9-10 October 2014. The European Commission will be represented by Cecilia Malmström, EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Martine Reicherts, EU Commissioner for Justice.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 26 September 2014 Today the European Commission published a handbook to help EU Member States take action against marriages of convenience between EU citizens and non-EU nationals in the context of EU law on free movement.

European Commission [Check Against Delivery] Martine Reicherts EU Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Court of Justice of the European Union Luxembourg, 19 September 2014 Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you for giving me the opportunity to open this seminar on data protection. The context here today is very important.

European Commission Brussels, 23 August 2014 Statement 75 years ago today – on 23 August 1939 – two totalitarian regimes signed a non-aggression pact. This pact of Nazi Germany under Hitler and the Soviet Union under Stalin would pave the way for the most brutal war to this day, leading...

European Commission memo Brussels, 21 August 2014 Young Europeans are less informed about the effects and risks of drugs than just a few years ago. While they widely use the Internet to gather knowledge, a new Eurobarometer survey shows that compared to 2011, respondents are less likely to have received...

European Commission [Check Against Delivery] Martine Reicherts EU Justice Commissioner IFLA World Library and Information Congress Lyon, France 18 August 2014 Main messages Just as work on the data protection reform has picked up speed and urgency, detractors are attempting to throw a new spanner in the works.

The gender total earnings gap was 37.1 % in the EU-27 in 2010. This gap reflects three major sources of differences between the average earnings of women versus men: the gender pay gap, the gap in number of hours in paid work, and the gender gap in employment.

European Commission Statement Brussels, 18 July 2014 Following the election of Viviane Reding to the European Parliament, I have been called upon by the Luxembourgish government to serve as EU Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, in the College of the European Commission.

European Press release Brussels, 10 July 2014 Commission The European Commission has decided to refer Finland to the Court of Justice of the EU as its equality body has not been entrusted with specific tasks related to racial equality in the field of employment.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 10 July 2014 July July In its monthly package of infringement decisions, the European Commission is pursuing legal action against Member States for failing to comply properly with their obligations under EU law.

On 3-4 June 2014 Austria hosted a seminar on gender impact assessment. A total of 17 countries participated in the meeting, all of which have produced discussion and comment papers. These papers are now available online.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 7 July 2014 Today, the European Commission is launching an EU-wide interconnection of national insolvency registers by linking up databases from seven Member States: the Czech Republic, Germany, Estonia, Netherlands, Austria, Romania and Slovenia - with more countries expected to join at a later stage.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 1 July 2014 Mr Laurs Nørlund has been appointed as Head of Representation in Denmark (Copenhagen). He is taking up office today (1 July). After beginning his career in the Danish Foreign Service, Mr Nørlund has held senior positions in the European Commission for almost...

European Commission Press release Brussels, 26 June 2014 As the European Council meets today and tomorrow to agree – amongst other things – on the future strategic priorities in the area of justice, the European Commission is already working to deliver on one of the priorities: strengthening mutual trust in...

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 26 June 2014 The use of new substances imitating the effects of illicit drugs (‘legal highs’) has risen considerably among young people in the EU, according to figures released today in a Eurobarometer study on young people and drugs.

European Commission Statement Athens, 25 June 2014 Commenting on the announcement made by Attorney General of the U.S. Mr Eric Holder [announcing that the Obama administration is seeking to extend to EU citizens guarantees of the Privacy Act which today are only available to U.S. citizens], at the EU-U.S.

Since 29 March 2011, the European Union has been negotiating with the United States government an international framework agreement (so-called ‘Data Protection Umbrella Agreement’) in order to protect personal data transferred between the EU and the U.S. for law enforcement purposes. This includes cases in which personal data is sent from the EU to the U.S. for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of criminal offences, including terrorism. This factsheet takes stock of the ongoing negotiations.

On 19 June 2014 the Council of the European Union adopted conclusions on "Women and the economy: economic independence from the perspective of part-time work and self-employment". The conclusions outline a new set of indicators to measure progress towards equal economic participation, including indicators on part-time and self-employment.

European Commission [Check Against Delivery] Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Justice Speech: Justice Event at the Centre for European Policy Studies Brussels, 20 June 2014 Main messages of the speech My call to national leaders at the European Council next week: Don't discuss only about...

European Commission Press release Brussels, 13 June 2014 Good news for Europe's more than 507 million consumers: as of today, new EU legislation will bolster their rights throughout the European Union. The new EU Consumer Rights Directive, which has now entered into force, strengthens consumers' rights wherever and whenever they...

European Commission [Check Against Delivery] Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Commissioner for Justice EU EU “Friends of EUBrasil” networking event Brussels, 11 June 2014 On data privacy, like in football, we are playing in the same direction; to score a goal and win the Championship for a...

European Commission [Check Against Delivery] Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Commissioner for Justice Justice Council press conference Luxembourg, 6 June 2014 This Justice Council was about progress.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 06 June 2014 Today, national ministers in the Justice Council backed the Commission's proposal to modernise European rules on cross-border insolvency (IP/12/1354). The modernised Insolvency Regulation will provide a new approach to help businesses overcome financial difficulties, shifting the focus away from liquidation, while protecting creditors'...

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 5 June 2014 The European Commission published today its first report on how the EU is giving effect to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). This Convention is the first international legally binding instrument setting minimum standards for a range of...

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 4 June 2014 European Union Justice and Home Affairs Ministers will meet in Luxembourg on 5-6 June 2014. The European Commission will be represented by Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU's Justice Commissioner and Cecilia Malmström, EU Commissioner for Home Affairs.

Commission Press release Brussels, 2 June 2014 European According to new European Commission reports released today, two sets of common rules allowing for the free circulation of previous convictions, and better coordination in fighting cross-border crime have not yet been implemented by many Member States.

European Commission MEMO Strasbourg, 15 May 2014 Two important proposals of the European Commission will be signed into law by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union today at 14:00 in Strasburg. The European Account Preservation Order (IP/11/923) and the updated rules for a specialised European patent...

Commission MEMO Brussels, 13 May 2014 European New EU rules making it easier for companies to recover claims across borders have been adopted today by EU Ministers. Member States in the General Affairs Council signed off on the agreement recently reached with the European Parliament to establish a European Account...

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 12 May 2014 Less than two weeks ahead of the European Parliament elections, a Special Eurobarometer survey "Europeans 2014" published today provides a snapshot of the latest public opinion on the economic outlook in Europe and the future of the EU.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 12 May 2014 According to a Special Eurobarometer survey ­ "Europeans 2014" ­ published today, a majority of Europeans say that they have a positive image of the EU (34% which is +3 percentage points [pp] compared to the Standard Autumn Eurobarometer released in November...

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 6 May 2014 Why do we need to protect the euro and other currencies? Counterfeiting of the euro and other currencies remains a concern throughout the European Union. The euro is particularly susceptible to counterfeiting on a transnational scale.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 6 May 2014 The EU's Finance Ministers have today backed measures that will reinforce the protection of the euro and other currencies through criminal law measures (IP/13/88). New measures will include tougher sanctions for criminals and improved tools for cross-border investigation.

Press release Brussels, 5 May 2014 European Commission Richard Kuehnel has been appointed as Head of Representation in Germany (Berlin). He will take up office on 1 June 2014. With over 20 years of practice in diplomatic and European affairs, Mr Kühnel brings with him sound experience of relevance for...

European Commission Press release Brussels, 5 May 2014 The European Commission has appointed Maria de Aires Soares as the Head of its Representation in Portugal. She will take up office on 16 May 2014. Mrs Soares brings to her new role proven leadership and management skills, an extensive knowledge and...

A newly published statistical report summarises the findings of a research project on gender equality in the workforce. A detailed analysis of the following topics are presented in 6 annexes: • the Barcelona childcare targets (Annex I); • labour force participation rates of men, women and parents (Annex II); • balancing work and family for single parents (Annex III); • gender inequalities in the transition from school to work (Annex IV); • share of earnings and domestic work within couples (Annex V); • and access to family-friendly working schedules (Annex VI).

European Commission Press release Strasbourg, 17 April 2014 In its last plenary session before the May 2014 European elections, the European Parliament gave its strong backing (­­507 in favour of the Regulation, 37 against and 33 abstentions) to the Commission's proposal to tackle rapidly emerging new psychoactive substances used as alternatives to illicit drugs...

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 16 April 2014 The European Parliament plenary has today voted in favour of two initiatives from the European Commission that will help protect the euro against counterfeiting and combat fraud against the EU budget.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 16 April 2014 April April In its monthly package of infringement decisions, the European Commission is pursuing legal action against Member States for failing to comply properly with their obligations under EU law.

European Commission MEMO Strasbourg, 15 April 2014 Today, the European Parliament voted in plenary to back two initiatives by the European Commission that will cut red tape for companies and contribute to growth in the EU.

European Commission MEMO Strasbourg, 15 April 2014 Today, the European Parliament voted in plenary to back an initiative by the European Commission that will cut red tape for companies and contribute to growth in the EU. The European Account Preservation Order (IP/11/923) (backed by 597 votes for, 33 against and...

Press release Strasbourg, 15 April 2014 European Commission A report published by the European Commission today highlights legal problems that international couples (spouses from different nationalities) still face across Europe when they try to resolve cross-border disputes concerning their marriage or the custody of their children.

European Commission MEMO Bruxelles, 14 April 2014 What are fundamental rights? The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights sets out a series of individual rights and freedoms. It entrenches the rights developed in the case law of the Court of Justice of the EU, found in the European Convention on Human...

European Commission Press release Brussels, 14 April 2014 In 2013 the European Commission continued taking action to improve equality between women and men, including steps to close the gender gaps in employment, pay and pensions discrepancies, to combat violence and to promote equality in decision-making.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 14 April 2014 The European Commission welcomes today's formal adoption by the Council of its proposal for a Regulation on market abuse (IP/11/1217) and its proposal for a Directive on criminal sanctions for market abuse (IP/11/1218).

In the past year the European Commission made further progress on improving equality between women and men, including closing the gender gaps in employment, pay and pensions, combating violence and promoting equality in decision-making. Despite the progress that was achieved in most areas, challenges remain, according to the European Commission's latest annual report on gender equality.

''Improving the communication between deaf and hard of hearing persons and the EU institutions''

The Insign project has been demonstrated for first time on 9 April 2014 at an event in the European Parliament. Deaf sign language users and hard of hearing citizens during two live demonstrations contacted different MEPs with the innovative Insign platform

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 8 April 2014 In a case brought by the European Commission, the European Court of Justice has today ruled (case C-288/12) that the abrupt termination the Hungarian Data Protection Commissioner’s term in office by the government constitutes an infringement of the independence of the Hungarian Data...

Until: 31/12/14

Consumers should be aware of their rights under EU law so they can use them every day, when shopping online or on the high street. That's why the European Commission has organised a campaign informing citizens of their rights under EU consumer law and pointing them to the right places where they can get advice and help in case of questions or problems.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 4 April 2014 What is the EU's and Member States' role in the area of Roma integration? By adopting, in April 2011, an EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies (IP/11/400, MEMO/11/216), the European Commission put in place – for the first time –a comprehensive and...

European Commission Press release Brussels, 4 April 2014 Concerted action by the European Commission has put Roma integration firmly on the political agenda across Europe. The first signs of improvement in the lives of Roma are slowly starting to show, says a new report unveiled today on Member States' progress...

04/04/14 - A new report released today on Member States' progress achieved under the EU Framework for national Roma strategies says the first signs of improvement in the lives of Roma are slowly starting to show.

European Commission [Check Against Delivery] Viviane Reding Vice-President, EU Justice Commissioner Speech: Plenary Session of the European Parliament on the Mid-term review of the Stockholm Programme Brussels, 2 April 2014 President, Honourable Members, I would like to thank the rapporteurs Mr Lopez Aguilar, Mr Berlinguer and Mr Casini for their...

On the occasion of the World Autism Awareness Day, on Wednesday 2 April, the European Commission publishes a report about four projects that were carried out during 2011-2013 to improve the employment situation of people with autism. These projects provide practical ideas about how to better involve people with autism in work. The projects were carried out in Bulgaria, Germany, Denmark, Poland and Italy.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 28 March 2014 Local, national and EU politicians and leaders will gather with civil society in Brussels on 4 April to discuss progress on Roma integration across Europe. This will be the first EU Roma Summit since the Commission put in place an EU framework...

European Commission Press release Brussels, 27 March 2014 Two months ahead of the European Parliament elections, two new reports published by the Commission provide an overview of the decisive steps taken to make these elections even more democratic and to bring European politics closer to citizens.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 21 March 2014 After 50 dialogues held in cities in every one of the EU's 28 Member States, the European Commission is inviting over 150 citizens to Brussels for a pan-European debate on Thursday 27 March, in the Commission's Charlemagne Building in Brussels.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 17 March 2014 What is the EU Justice Scoreboard? The EU Justice Scoreboard is an information tool that contributes to the European Semester process by providing objective data on the quality, independence and efficiency of justice systems in all Member States.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 17 March 2014 The European Commission today released the second edition of the EU Justice Scoreboard to promote the quality, independence and efficiency of justice systems in the European Union.

European Commission [Check Against Delivery] Viviane Reding European Commission Vice-President, EU Justice Commissioner Speech: 49th Citizens' Dialogue Amsterdam, 14 March 2014 1. The Netherlands is at the heart of Europe. A founding member at the heart of the EU, the Netherland's destiny is European.

The European Commission has kicked off today a consumer campaign informing citizens of their consumer rights under EU law and pointing them to the right places where they can get advice and help in case of questions or problems.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 14 March 2014 What role should the EU play in the economic recovery? What rights do we have as European citizens and how do these rights affect our daily lives? What kind of Europe do citizens want for the future? These are some of the...

The European Parliament has today given a strong endorsement to the Commission's data protection reform by voting largely in favour of the proposed Regulation and Directive. The support is an important signal of progress in the legislative procedure.

European Commission MEMO Strasbourg, 12 March 2014 The European Parliament has today welcomed the European Commission's proposals to reinforce EU citizens’ rights with a series of actions to tackle obstacles that citizens still encounter in their everyday lives.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 12 March 2014 The European Commission has today set out a series of common principles for national insolvency procedures for businesses in financial difficulties. The objective is to shift the focus away from liquidation towards encouraging viable businesses to restructure at an early stage so...

European Commission [Check Against Delivery] Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech: European Parliament debate on the U.S. NSA surveillance programme, surveillance bodies and their impact on EU on EU citizens' fundamental rights and on transatlantic cooperation in Justice and Home Affairs Strasbourg, 11 March 2014...

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 7 March 2014 On the eve of International Women's Day (8 March), Vice-President Viviane Reding said: "Five decades of European Union action have advanced gender equality on our continent.

European MEMO Brussels, 7 March 2014 Commission What is the gender pay gap and how is it measured in the EU? The gender pay gap is shown as a percentage of men’s earnings and represents the difference between the average gross hourly earnings of male and female employees across the...

European Commission Press release Brussels, 7 March 2014 Ahead of International Women’s Day (8 March), the European Commission has today adopted a Recommendation asking Member States to improve pay transparency for women and men in a bid to help close the gender pay gap.

Ahead of International Women's Day, the European Commission publishes a factsheet on gender balance on corporate boards, showing that the glass ceiling is cracking following political and regulatory pressure from the European Commission.

On the occasion of International Women's Day, the European Commission published a factsheet on how Europe is boosting progress in achieving equality between women and men. While gender gaps remains, significant progress has been achieved in numerous areas with the help of targeted policies at EU level.

Ahead of the International Women's Day, the European Commission publishes a factsheet summarizing key concrete actions aimed at eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls in the European Union.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 28 February 2014 Women in Europe still work 59 days ‘for free’ – this is what the latest figures released today by the European Commission show. The gender pay gap – the average difference between women and men’s hourly earnings across the entire economy –...

16.4%: that’s the size of the gender pay gap. After a decreasing trend in recent years, the figure has stagnated. The fourth European Pay Day raises awareness of the fact that women currently work 59 days "for free" until they match the amount earned by men.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 27 February 2014 An expert group set up by the European Commission to examine barriers to cross-border trade in insurance law across Member States (IP/13/74) delivered its comprehensive report today.

European Commission MEMO Strasbourg, 26 February 2014 The proposal for an optional European Sales Law for consumers and businesses (IP/11/1175 and MEMO/11/680) was backed today by a majority (416 votes for, 159 against and 65 abstentions) in the European Parliament.

European Commission [Check Against Delivery] Viviane Reding European Commission Vice-President, EU Justice Commissioner Vice-President Vice-President 45th Citizens' Dialogue Barcelona, 23 February 2014 I have known Catalonia for a long time.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 21 February 2013 What role should the EU play in the economic recovery? What rights do we have as European citizens and how do these rights affect our daily lives? What kind of Europe do citizens want for the future? These are some of the...

Commission Press release Brussels, 21 February 2014 European Ahead of tomorrow’s European Day for victims of crime (22 February), the European Commission is taking action to make sure that victims of crime can rely on their rights under EU law in practice.

Commission MEMO Brussels, 20 February 2014 European Following yesterday's support by France and Germany for a swift agreement on a European Public Prosecutor’s Office, the European Parliament’s Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee (LIBE) has today backed the Commission’s proposal to establish such an Office (IP/13/709).

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 20 February 2014 The European Commission has welcomed the political agreement reached last night on the proposal to better protect the euro from counterfeiting through EU-wide criminal law measures.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 19 February 2014 The European Commission has welcomed today's political agreement on the proposal to better protect the euro from counterfeiting through EU-wide criminal law measures. The agreement follows two so-called trilogue meetings between the Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers.

European Commission [Check Against Delivery] Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Mackenzie Stuart Lecture Cambridge, 17 February 2014 Context: The Mackenzie Stuart Lecture is an annual public lecture in honour of Lord Mackenzie-Stuart, the first British Judge to be President of the Court of Justice.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 13 February 2014 Two months after the adoption of a set of recommendations by EU Member States to step up the economic and social integration of Roma communities (see IP/13/1226, and IP/13/607, MEMO/13/610), a network of coordinators responsible for overseeing the national Roma integration strategies from...

European Commission [Check Against Delivery] Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, Justice Commissioner Speech: UNICEF/ Eurochild publication launch Brussels, 12 February 2014 Ladies and gentlemen, Dear members of Unicef and Eurochild, Thank you for inviting me to the launch of this important and timely publication.

European Commission [Check Against Delivery] Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, Justice Commissioner Speech: Conference for Mayors on EU Mobility at local level Brussels, 11 February 2014 Ladies and gentlemen, I have been listening carefully to your discussions this morning and this afternoon. They were enriching. They were encouraging.

Commission MEMO Brussels, 11 February 2014 European The Commission's proposal for the establishment a European Public Prosecutor's Office (IP/13/709) made further progress today as the European Parliament's legal affairs Committee (JURI) has adopted its Opinion on the proposal (19 votes for, 4 against and 0 abstentions).

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 11 February 2014 Today European Parliament Committees backed three key initiatives of the European Commission that will make life easier and cheaper for European businesses and citizens alike.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 11 February 2014 EU citizens go to other EU countries mainly for job opportunities and are on average younger and more likely to be working. This is confirmed by a new, independent study on the impact of the right to move freely within the EU...

European Commission [Check Against Delivery] Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech: Citizens' Dialogue in London London, 10 February 2014 1. The EU is stronger with the UK. The UK is stronger within the EU.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 7 February 2014 The future of Europe, citizens' rights and the recovery from the economic crisis are among topics to be discussed at the 44th Citizens' Dialogue (see Annex) with European Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding, UK Europe Minister David Lidington and around 400 people in...

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 6 February 2014 On the International Day of Zero Tolerance against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), the European Commission is reaffirming its commitment to eradicating the unacceptable practice.

European Commission MEMO Strasbourg, 5 February 2014 The European Parliament has today backed with an overwhelming majority (580 for, 69 against and 19 abstentions) the European Commission's proposal to modernise Europe’s rules on cross-border insolvency (IP/12/1354).

European Commission Press release Brussels, 5 February 2014 Common rules on matters related to detention, adopted unanimously by Member States, have been implemented only in around half of the EU's 28 countries, according to a new European Commission report released today.

Common rules on matters related to detention, adopted unanimously by Member States, have been implemented only in around half of the EU's 28 countries, according to a new European Commission report released today.

European Commission MEMO Strasbourg, 4 February 2014 The European Parliament has today voted with an overwhelming majority (573 for, 62 against and 44 abstentions) to back the European Commission’s proposal to do away with bureaucratic rubber-stamping exercises for citizens and businesses in the Member States (IP/13/355).

European Commission MEMO Strasbourg, 4 February 2014 The European Commission has welcomed today's vote by the European Parliament's plenary to approve the Commission's proposal for a Directive on criminal sanctions for market abuse (IP/11/1218).

European Commission Press release Brussels, 4 February 2014 Over 100 mayors and representatives of local authorities from around Europe will come together in Brussels on 11 February to discuss current challenges and opportunities around the free movement of citizens in the European Union.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 4 February 2014 1. Why are criminal sanctions needed for market abuse? In recent years financial markets have become increasingly global, giving rise to new trading platforms and technologies. This unfortunately has also led to new possibilities to manipulate these markets.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 29 January 2014 On 29 January 2014, representatives of the European Commission's services and of the Government of Malta met on the issue of the Individual Investor Programme of the Republic of Malta.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech: Midday Statement/Brussels 29 January 2014 The right to vote is a basic and fundamental political right. That is why we have laws in place that guarantee citizens this essential right: According to the EU Treaties (Article 20...

Commission Press release Brussels, 29 January 2014 European Under EU rules which should be in place in all Member States as of today, it will be easier for EU citizens living in another Member State to stand as candidates in the 2014 European Parliament elections.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 29 January 2014 The European Commission has today issued guidance to EU-Member States which have rules in place leading to a loss of voting rights for citizens in national elections, simply because they have exercised their right to free movement in the EU.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 28 January 2014 Two years after the European Commission proposed a major reform of the EU’s data protection rules to make them fit for the 21st century (IP/12/46), considerable progress has been made (MEMO/14/60 from 27 January).

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner A data protection compact for Europe CEPS/Brussels 28 January 2014 Main messages of the speech: On Safe Harbour: [W]e kicked the tyres and saw that repairs are needed. For Safe Harbour to be fully roadworthy the U.S.

Ahead of Data Protection Day on 28 January 2014, the Commission takes stock on progress made on the EU data protection reform exactly two years after the proposals were tabled. It also recalls the Commission's response to the latest surveillance revelations and developments in the U.S.. Vice-President Reding will deliver a key speech on data protection day, tomorrow at 11 CET at the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS)calling for "A new Data Protection Compact for Europe".

European Commission Press release Brussels, 27 January 2014 Today, the European Commission gave its green light to Greece's decision to join the 15 countries already participating in EU rules which allow international couples to select which country's law applies to their divorce or legal separation.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 23 January 2014 January January In its monthly package of infringement decisions, the European Commission is pursuing legal action against Member States for failing to comply properly with their obligations under EU law.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech: DLD 2014/Munich, Germany 19 November 2014 Dear Mr Burda, Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you very much. In the past years, you have given the Aenne Burda Award to inspiring and successful women, and I am very honoured...

European Commission Press release Brussels, 17 January 2014 European Union rules to tackle discrimination on grounds of racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age and sexual orientation have now been implemented by all Member States in national law. Now, further efforts are needed to apply them in practice.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech - European Parliament/Strasbourg 15 November 2013 We have had the opportunity to debate the implication of the NSA revelations this summer on several occasions, both in this Chamber and in the LIBE Committee.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Citizenship must not be up for sale Plenary Session debate of the European Parliament on 'EU citizenship for sale' /Strasbourg 15 January 2014 Main Messages: National citizenship is an entry door to the EU.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech: Plenary Session debate of the European Parliament on 'Respect for the fundamental right of free movement in the EU ' /Strasbourg 15 January 2014 Main Messages: The right to free movement is the EU right most cherished...

European Commission Press release Brussels, 15 January 2014 Throughout 2013, Citizens' Dialogues were held all across Europe. Now the debate is going digital. On 16 January 2014 at 20.00 CET, Vice-President Viviane Reding will debate with citizens from across Europe in an online dialogue streamed live on YouTube.

MEMO Brussels, 15 January 2014 European Commission (see also IP/13/1151) With over 14 million EU citizens resident in another Member State on a stable basis, free movement – or the ability to live, work and study anywhere in the Union – is the EU right most cherished by Europeans.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 9 January 2014 The leading committee of the European Parliament for Economic matters has today given its support to a European Commission proposal for criminal sanctions to tackle the abuse and manipulation of financial markets (IP/11/1218).

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech - KPN's New Year's reception/Brussels 7 January 2013 Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, dear Mr Blok, I am happy and honoured to be here and see you once again. 1.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 20 December 2013 The European Commission has welcomed today's political agreement on the Commission's proposal for a Directive on criminal sanctions for market abuse (IP/11/1218).

European Commission Press release Brussels, 20 December 2013 According to the latest Eurobarometer survey results published today, Europeans are becoming slightly more optimistic about the economic situation in Europe. Over half of Europeans (51%) say that they are optimistic about the EU's future (up from 49% in the Spring 2013...

Commission MEMO Brussels, 17 December 2013 European A key European Parliament committee has today supported proposals by the European Commission to do away with bureaucratic rubber-stamping exercises for citizens and businesses in Europe (IP/13/355).

Commission MEMO Brussels, 17 December 2013 European A key European Parliament committee has today backed a European Commission proposal to better protect the euro from counterfeiting through the use of criminal law measures (IP/13/88).

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 17 December 2013 A key European Parliament committee has today supported a European Commission proposal to modernise Europe’s rules on cross-border business insolvency, helping to give otherwise viable businesses a 'second chance'.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Commissioner for Justice Citizens' Dialogue/Vilnius 13 December 2013 1. Elections: When you make a choice, you change the future 2014 will be the year that Europe makes a choice. You will not only be electing a new President.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 13 December 2013 Just in time for the holiday period, shoppers across Europe can as of today count on a new set of consumer rights: today marks the deadline for Member States to introduce the European Union’s Consumer Rights Directive into national law.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 13 December 2013 On 1 January 2014, Ms Angela Filote will take up office as Head of Representation in Romania. With over 20 years' experience in corporate communication management, Ms Filote worked in Romania, Turkey and Egypt before arriving at the European Commission's headquarters in...

European Commission Press release Brussels, 12 December 2013 The future of Europe, citizens' rights and the recovery from the economic crisis are the topics to be discussed at the 41st Citizens' Dialogue (see Annex) with Vice-President Viviane Reding and 200 citizens in Vilnius which will take place tomorrow, on 13...

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Commissioner for Justice Speech - Civil Liberties Committee hearing on Data Protection and U.S. Surveillance European Parliament/Strasbourg 9 December 2013 I would like first to congratulate this inquiry on its work since the NSA revelations this summer.

European Commission Press release 16.2%: that’s the size of the gender pay gap, or the average difference between women and men’s hourly earnings across the EU, according to the latest figures released today by the European Commission. The figure has not moved an inch in the space of a year.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 9 December 2013 All 28 European Union Member States today committed to implementing a set of recommendations, proposed by the European Commission, to step up the economic and social integration of Roma communities.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Justice Speech - Justice Press Conference at the Justice and Home Affairs Council /Brussels 6 December 2013 Today's Justice Council meeting can be easily summarised: It was a disappointing day for data protection but an excellent day for...

MEMO Brussels, 6 December 2013 European Commission Justice Ministers have today reached agreement in record time on a European Commission proposal (IP/13/750) to complete the legal framework for Europe-wide patent protection.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 6 December 2013 The EU's Council of Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Ministers will meet on 9 and 10 December in Brussels. Key issues under discussion on 9th December will be the proposed Directive to enforce EU rules on posting of workers, a proposal...

European Press release Brussels, 6 December 2013 Commission Justice Ministers today reached an agreement on a general approach on the European Commission's proposal for a Europe-wide preservation order (IP/11/923), to ease the recovery of cross-border debts for both citizens and businesses.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech - Justice Council /Brussels 6 December 2013 Introduction The European Union has the highest level of data protection in the world. European rules are already a global gold standard for the protection of personal data.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech - Justice and Home Affairs Council /Brussels 5 December 2013 Main messages Free movement is a right, but it comes with duties.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 4 December 2013 European Union Justice and Home Affairs ministers will meet in Brussels on 5-6 December 2013. The European Commission will be represented by Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU's Justice Commissioner and Cecilia Malmström, EU Commissioner for Home Affairs.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech - 25th Anniversary of the Österreichische Nationalbank/Austrian Central Bank Representative Office in Brussels 3 December 2013 Main Messages: The way monetary policy works in the euro area today is really a model for how we should work...

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 3 December 2013 The European Commission today presented its findings on the application of EU rules governing the 'service of documents' in civil justice proceedings – that is providing a citizen with access to correspondence intended for them in civil justice proceedings.

Commission Press release Brussels, 3 December 2013 European On the occasion of the European Day for people with disabilities (3 December) the European Commission announced that Gothenburg is the winner of the Access City Award 2014.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner EU Speech - EU Dialogue with Rik Torfs, Rector of KU Leuven / Kortrijk, Campus of the University of Leuven 2 December 2013 Main Messages The elections next year are about many things.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech - Workshop on the training of legal practitioners – Teaching EU law and judgecraft/Brussels 28 November 2013 Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a pleasure to be here.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 27 November 2013 What is the European Commission proposing? The Commission is proposing three directives: (1) on the respect for the presumption of innocence and the right to be present at trial; (2) to make sure children involved in criminal proceedings have special safeguards; and (3)...

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech - Press Conference/Brussels 27 November 2013 "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 27 November 2013 The European Commission has today presented a package of proposals to further strengthen procedural safeguards for citizens in criminal proceedings. The aim is to guarantee fair trial rights for all citizens, wherever they are in the European Union.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 27 November 2013 What is the Commission presenting today? Today the European Commission has set out actions to be taken in order to restore trust in data flows between the EU and the U.S., following deep concerns about revelations of large-scale U.S.

Press Release Brussels, 27 November 2013 European Commission Today the European Commission has set out the actions that need to be taken to restore trust in data flows between the EU and the U.S., following deep concerns about revelations of large-scale U.S.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 26 November 2013 Following her meeting with Senator Christopher Murphy, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Subcommittee on Europe, Congressman Gregory Meeks and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU's Justice Commissioner said: "Last month, our European Parliament went to see the U.S.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 25 November 2013 On the occasion of the International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women, the European Commission has today announced – in a strategy paper – a new push to fight female genital mutilation (FGM) in the European Union and beyond.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 25 November 2013 The joint responsibility of Member States and the EU institutions to uphold EU citizens' rights to live and work in another EU country is underlined in a policy paper just adopted by the European Commission.

MEMO Brussels, 25 November 2013 European Commission (see also IP/13/1151) With over 14 million EU citizens resident in another Member State on a stable basis, free movement – or the ability to live, work and study anywhere in the Union – is the EU right most cherished by Europeans.

On the occasion of the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women, the European Commission has announced a new push to combat female genital mutilation (FGM) in the European Union and beyond.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Dinner of the Assises de la Justice /Brussels 21 November 2013 Dear friends, It is always a pleasure to listen to such a brilliant lawyer as Hubert Legal.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech - Assises de la Justice/Brussels 21 November 2013 Ladies and Gentlemen, Today is a very special day for me. I am truly honoured to see so many eminent legal experts and practitioners here, eager to sit down...

European Commission Press Release Brussels, 21 November 2013 What will EU justice policy look like in 2020? This is the theme of a major conference starting today – the 'Assises de la Justice' ‑ hosted by the European Commission on 21-22 November in Brussels.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner- Speech - Press Conference – European Parliament/Strasbourg 20 November 2013 I am pleased to be here today with Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou and Evelyn Regner – two strong women who are helping to advance gender equality in Europe.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 20 November 2013 The European Parliament has today voted with an overwhelming majority (459 for, 148 against and 81 abstentions) to back the European Commission’s proposed law to improve the gender balance in Europe’s company boardrooms.

Press release Brussels, 20 November 2013 European Commission The European Commission has today formally closed the legal proceedings launched against Hungary on 17 January 2012 over the country’s forced early retirement of around 274 judges and public prosecutors (IP/12/24).

Il-Kummissjoni Ewropea MEMO Brussels, 20 November 2013 November November In its monthly package of infringement decisions, the European Commission is pursuing legal action against Member States for failing to comply properly with their obligations under EU law.

Press release Brussels, 20 November 2013 European Commission The European Commission has today formally closed the legal proceedings launched against Hungary on 17 January 2012 over the country’s forced early retirement of around 274 judges and public prosecutors (IP/12/24).

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 19 November 2013 What is the European Small Claims Procedure? Since 2007, the EU has a procedure to resolve small cross-border civil and commercial disputes in a hassle-free way: the European Small Claims Procedure.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 19 November 2013 Bought a new 3D flat screen television and never got it? Or did you pay your supplier abroad and he delivered a faulty product? Don't worry, there is a cheap way to claim your money back.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 18 November 2013 European Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding and Commissioner Cecilia Malmström, representing the European Commission; Lithuanian Minister of Justice Juozas Bernatonis and Lithuanian Vice Minister of Interior Elvinas Jankevicius representing the Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the EU; Greek Minister of Justice, Transparency and...

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 18 November 2013 The European Union and the United States will meet in Washington, DC on 18 November 2013 to discuss issues of common interest in the field of justice and home affairs. Vice-President Viviane Reding, EU Justice Commissioner, and Cecilia Malmström, EU Commissioner for Home...

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Citizens' Dialogue/Marseille 14 November 2013 "The EU economy is starting to get its head above water. Now we must concentrate on growth." "The economic crisis has speeded up the course of political history.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 14 November 2013 The future of Europe, citizens’ rights, and ending the economic crisis will be the subjects of the 37th Citizens’ Dialogue (see annex), which is taking place today, 14 November, in Marseille.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech - Conference on the European Criminal Policy Initiative, organised by the Law Faculty of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich /Brussels 12 November 2013 Main Messages "Before the Treaty of Lisbon, EU criminal law was a piece-meal affair.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Conference on the European Criminal Policy Initiative, organised by the Law Faculty of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich /Brussels 12 November 2013 Main Messages "Before the Treaty of Lisbon, EU criminal law was a piece-meal affair.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech - EPP Senior Citizens' Union Congress, Committee of the Regions/Brussels 7 November 2013 Main Messages "Your Union was born on 7 November 1995, making today your 18th birthday - old enough to vote in next year’s European...

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech - Conference organised by Victim Support Europe/Brussels 6 November 2013 Main Messages Justice cannot be done if the victim is forgotten and not treated justly.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 5 November 2013 The European Parliament's Legal Affairs Committee (JURI) backed today with a large majority (19 votes for, 1 against and 0 abstentions) the European Commission's proposal for a Directive on the protection of the EU's financial interests (IP/12/767).

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech - Speech at Yale University/New Haven 30 October 2013 Main Messages 1/ On the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP): For ambitious and complex negotiations to succeed there needs to be trust among the negotiating partners.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech - Conference organised by the Peterson Institute, SAIS and the EU Delegation, Washington DC/USA 29 October 2013 Main Messages of the Speech 1/ On the recent US-spying revelations: Friends and partners do not spy on each other.

Press release Brussels, 28 October 2013 European Commission The European Commission has today set up an expert group to work on safe and fair terms for cloud computing contracts, on the basis of an optional instrument. The objective is to identify best practices for addressing the concerns of consumers and...

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech - European Civil Justice Day /Luxembourg 25 October 2013 Ladies and gentlemen, It's a pleasure and an honour for me to be here today on the occasion of the European Day of Civil Justice.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 25 October 2013 A concrete step in the making of a European area of Justice is just two days away. On 27 October the deadline for Member States to implement the first EU law on rights of suspects in criminal procedures will expire.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 22 October 2013 The European Commission's data protection reform proposals (IP/12/46 and IP/13/57) were backed today by an overwhelming majority (49 votes in favour, 1 against and 3 abstentions) in the Committee for Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) of the European Parliament.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Commissioner for Justice Press Point on Data Protection/Strasbourg 22 October 2013 Yesterday's late vote by the LIBE committee is an important moment for European democracy.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 18 October 2013 Today, Greece announced its decision to join the 15 countries already participating in EU rules which allow international couples to select which country's law applies to their divorce.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 17 October 2013 October October In its monthly package of infringement decisions, the European Commission is pursuing legal action against Member States for failing to comply properly with their obligations under EU law.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Commissioner for Justice Citizens' Dialogue/Stockholm 15 October 2013 1. Economy Member States' far-reaching and sometime painful reforms are starting to pay off. Recovery is in sight. Unit labour costs are falling in countries like Greece, Spain and Portugal.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 14 October 2013 1. New Report on Women in Decision-Making: What is the report on women in leadership positions? The Report on women and men in leadership positions in the European Union 2013 looks at the current situation and recent progress for gender balance across a...

European Commission Press release Brussels, 14 October 2013 The future of Europe, citizens' rights and the recovery from the economic crisis are the topics to be discussed at the 33rd Citizens' Dialogue (see Annex) with Vice-President Viviane Reding and 350 citizens in Stockholm.

A new report on women and men in leadership positions was released today. The report presents an overview of the current situation and trends for the representation of women and men in economic decision-making, in politics, in public administrations and in the judiciary.

The EU is funding a platform for EU-level exchange between public and private organisations who have signed up to a national diversity charter. The video shows 12 testimonies of charters representatives.

Since adoption of the Strategy in 2010, the Commission and the European External Action Service have acted on the large majority of the key actions set out in the Strategy and very important results have already been achieved. The mid-term review confirms that the Women's Charter and the Strategy continue to provide an ambitious policy framework for promoting gender equality in the EU.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Commissioner for Justice Justice and Home Affairs Council/Luxembourg 8 October 2013 In May, I have asked Ministers to provide me with factual information on free movement. 19 Ministers provided me with such information and I thank you for that.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Commissioner for Justice Vice-President Vice-President Justice Council/Luxembourg 8 October 2013 President Barroso stated in this year's State of the Union Address that it is of utmost importance to advance swiftly on the data protection reform package.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech - Justice Council/Luxembourg 7 October 2013 Today we have made important progress on the building a true European area of Justice that works for citizens and businesses. Two very important files were agreed upon today. 1.

European Commission Press Release Brussels, 7 October 2013 A look into the crystal ball: What will EU justice policy look like in 2020? This is the theme of a Europe-wide debate the European Commission has launched today.

European Press release Brussels, 7 October 2013 Commission A European Commission proposal guaranteeing the right of all citizens in the EU to be advised by a lawyer when facing criminal proceedings has been formally adopted today, after approval was given by the Council of Ministers.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 4 October 2013 European Union Justice and Home Affairs ministers will meet in Luxembourg on 7-8 October 2013. The European Commission will be represented by Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU's Justice Commissioner and Cecilia Malmström, EU Commissioner for Home Affairs.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 26 September 2013 European Union citizens will be able to use their right to vote in European and local elections more easily when living in another EU country, following legal action by the European Commission.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 25 September 2013 [Vice-President Reding speaks] Ladies and Gentlemen I am happy to welcome my colleague Minister Miljenić here in Brussels today. The meeting was among others a good opportunity to prepare the Justice Council in October where Croatia is going to sit for the first...

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 24 September 2013 On the 25 September, the European Commission will send a technical fact-finding mission to La Línea (Spain) and Gibraltar (UK). Why is the Commission going to the borders? Concerns have been raised by citizens, members of the European Parliament and the Government of...

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Commissioner for Justice Citizens' Dialogue/Helsinki 24 September 2013 1. Economy Ignore the doom-mongers. Europe is being fixed: Unit labour costs are falling in countries like Greece, Spain and Portugal.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 23 September 2013 European Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding will be in Helsinki with Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Sirpa Pietikäinen tomorrow to hold a debate on the future of Europe with about 300 citizens.

European MEMO Brussels, 18 September 2013 Commission Today the European Commission is launching the so-called "Article 39 procedure" on Croatia. This means the activation of the justice and home affairs safeguard clause in Croatia's Accession Treaty to take appropriate measures in view of the continued non-compliance by Croatia with the...

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President Reding, EU Commissioner for Justice Speech: Press Conference/Brussels 17 September 2013 1. Tackling one of the greatest challenges in drug policy Do you know what 'spice' or 'meow-meow' are? What might sound like innocent play can end up deadly.

Press release Brussels, 17 September 2013 European Commission The European Commission today proposed to strengthen the European Union’s ability to respond to ‘legal highs’ – new psychoactive substances used as alternatives to illicit drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 17 September 2013 What are new psychoactive substances? They are natural or synthetic substances that affect the central nervous system and induce a stimulating or depressant effect, just like illicit drugs, such as cocaine or ecstasy, do.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 17 September 2013 The proposal for an optional Common European Sales Law for consumers and businesses (IP/11/1175 and MEMO/11/680) was backed today by a large majority (19 votes for, 3 against and 2 abstentions) in the leading European Parliament committee on this proposal, the Committee for...

The European Commission today proposed to strengthen the European Union’s ability to respond to ‘legal highs’ – new psychoactive substances used as alternatives to illicit drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Commissioner for Justice Speech - Citizens' Dialogue/Trieste 16 September 2013 1. Free Movement The cornerstone of our Union is under threat.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 13 September 2013 "That Slovenians, Croats and Austrians are debating the future of Europe together with Italians is testament to the power of our European Union in breaking down borders," said European Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 12 September 2013 Just two days after President José Manuel Barroso's State of the Union address, the debate on the future of Europe is coming to Namur. On 13 September, Vice-President Viviane Reding and Minister-President of Wallonia and the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, Rudy Demotte, will discuss...

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 10 September 2013 A new law to guarantee the rights of all citizens to be advised by a lawyer when facing criminal proceedings today received the backing of the European Parliament plenary who adopted the proposal with an overwhelming majority (with 661 votes in favour, 29...

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech - Centre for European Policy Studies/Brussels 4 September 2013 1. MAIN MESSAGES The Union is a unique construction, as it is not bound together by force, by a common army or a common police force, but only...

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech - Union of European Federalists (UEF) Summer Reception /Brussels 3 September 2013 1. MAIN MESSAGES In March this year, the Commission made a series of recommendations to strengthen the link between citizens and the EU, echoed by...

A new report from the European network of Experts on Gender Equality (ENEGE) shows that early career patterns differ between gen¬ders with women falling more often into unsuccessful paths (inactivity, part-time, temporary contracts) than men. It also stresses the need for a greater attention to gender differences in youth policies.

Press release Brussels, 30 August 2013 European Commission Mr Peter Martin will take up office as Head of the European Commission's Regional Office in Munich on 1 September. Mr Martin joined the European Commission in 1999, initially working in the Directorate-General for Information Society, where he was responsible for research...

European Commission Press release Brussels, 29 July 2013 The European Commission has today proposed to complete the legal framework for Europe-wide patent protection by updating EU rules on the jurisdiction of courts and recognition of judgements (the so-called “Brussels I Regulation”).

29/07/13 - The European Commission adopts the proposal on the amendments to the Brussels I Regulation (recast) aiming at ensuring the coherent application of the Unified Patent Court Agreement and the Regulation.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 23 July 2013 According to the latest Eurobarometer survey results published today, six out of ten citizens in the EU feel 'European' and want to know more about their rights, but less than half (46%) know what these rights are.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Commissioner for Justice Speech: Citizens' Dialogue/Sofia, Bulgaria 23 July 2013 1. The protests in Bulgaria The political situation in Bulgaria is polarised.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 22 July 2013 "Bulgaria must stay on the reform path, and its citizens have a key role to play in the process", said European Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding ahead of a dialogue with over 250 citizens in Sofia (Bulgaria) which she will hold tomorrow (23...

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 19 July 2013 At the informal Justice Council in Vilnius today, Vice President Reding made the following remarks: On data Protection "Today's Council meeting sent a powerful signal to citizens.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Commissioner for Justice Press Conference/Brussels 17 July 2013 1. Delivering on our commitments Today we deliver on a commitment. A commitment – that Algirdas and I first made at our hearing before the Parliament in January 2010 – to make...

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 17 July 2013 What is the European Public Prosecutor’s Office? The European Public Prosecutor’s Office will be a decentralised prosecution office of the European Union with exclusive competence for investigating, prosecuting and bringing to judgment crimes against the EU budget.

European Commission Press Release Brussels, 17 July 2013 Today, the European Commission is taking action to improve Union-wide prosecution of criminals who defraud EU taxpayers by establishing a European Public Prosecutor's Office.

Today, the European Commission is taking action to improve Union-wide prosecution of criminals who defraud EU taxpayers by establishing a European Public Prosecutor's Office. Its exclusive task will be to investigate and prosecute and, where relevant, bring to judgement – in the Member States' courts - crimes affecting the EU budget. The European Public Prosecutor's Office will be an independent institution, subject to democratic oversight.

In parallel to the creation of the European Public Prosecutor's Office, the Commission is proposing a reform of the European Union’s Agency for criminal justice cooperation (Eurojust) and presenting a Communication on the governance of the EU Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Commissioner for Justice Citizens Dialogue/Heidelberg 16 July 2012 1. The time of the Troika is over Getting the IMF on board in recent years was an emergency solution.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 16 July 2013 "Europe is democratic, but must become even more democratic in the future, if it is to be given new competences". This is what the Vice-President of the European Commission, Viviane Reding, is calling for in the run-up to a discussion with citizens,...

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner DLD Women Conference 2013/Munich 15 July 2013 Dear Ursula, Dear Steffi, Ladies and gentlemen, I am happy to be here today, and it's good to see so many familiar faces.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 10 July 2013 After 22 dialogues with citizens in 14 Member States, citizens in Poland will get the chance to share their opinions about the future of Europe. On 11 July 2013, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, Vice-President Viviane Reding, together with Member of...

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Commissioner for Justice Press Conference /Brussels 9 July 2013 Summer is finally here! Millions of holidaymakers are about to leave for a well-earned break.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 9 July 2013 Why is the Commission making this proposal? More and more people book their holidays online, through different online operators. This has revolutionised the travel market, but means that holiday makers are not always sure of protection if something goes wrong.

European Press Release Brussels, 9 July 2013 Commission As the summer season kicks off, the European Commission is taking action to improve protection for holiday makers by modernising EU rules on package holidays. The 1990 EU Directive on package travel has served as the bedrock for the protection offered to...

European Commission Memo Brussels, 9 July 2013 European Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU’s Justice Commissioner, today welcomed the latest progress in European Parliament in support of her proposal to improve the gender balance in Europe’s boardrooms (IP/12/1205).

European Press Release Brussels, 5 July 2013 Commission The European Commission launched a public consultation today on a European approach to business failure and insolvency, which puts the focus on helping sound businesses to survive and honest entrepreneurs to get a second chance while protecting creditors' right to get their...

European Commission MEMO Strasbourg, 4 July 2013 European Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding has today welcomed a vote by the European Parliament to back recommendations presented by the Commission to boost turnout in next year’s European elections.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Commissioner for Justice Speech - Plenary Session of the European Parliament/Strasbourg 3 July 2013 Next year, the European Parliament will go for the eighth time seeking the votes of our citizens.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Commissioner for Justice Plenary Session of the European Parliament/Strasbourg 3 July 2013 MAIN MESSAGES 1/ On the NSA spying allegations: It is a matter of mutual trust and good practices in relations between friends and allies.

European Commission Viviane Reding European Commission Vice-President, EU Justice Commissioner Plenary Session of the European Parliament on the Situation of fundamental rights: standards and practices in Hungary /Strasbourg 2 July 2013 MAIN MESSAGES 1.

European Commission Press Release Brussels, 28 June 2013 Following 21 dialogues with citizens in 13 Member States of the European Union, the people of Luxembourg will be asked for their opinions this Sunday. You will be able to share with politicians your opinions, comments, visions and questions on the future...

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 26 June 2013 How does the EU Framework for national Roma integration strategies help the Roma? The EU framework develops a targeted approach for more effective action on Roma integration by setting EU-wide goals in four areas: education, employment, health and housing.

European Commission Press Release Brussels, 26 June 2013 The European Commission has called on Member States to deliver on their commitments to ensure equality and to do more to improve the economic and social integration of Europe's 10 to 12 million Roma.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Commissioner for Justice Speech: Video Recording for the Presidential Troika of COSAC/Brussels 24 June 2013 Mr Chairman, Honourable Members of the Parliaments, Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen, I am very sorry for not being able to attend the meeting and convey...

European Press release Brussels, 21 June 2013 Commission The European Commission has launched today a call for applications for experts to work on identifying safe and fair contract terms for cloud computing services. The experts will help identifying options for addressing concerns of consumers and companies, who often seem reluctant...

European Commission Press release Brussels, 21 June 2013 The European Commission has appointed His Excellency Ambassador Branko Baričević as the first ever Head of the European Commission Representation in the Republic of Croatia. He will take up office on 1 July 2013.

European MEMO Brussels, 20 June 2013 Commission The European Commission has welcomed progress on two proposals to make life easier for international couples in the European Union, following a vote today in the European Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI).

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 19 June 2013 A new law to guarantee the rights of all citizens to be advised by a lawyer when facing criminal proceedings in the European Union moved a step closer to adoption today after a vote by the European Parliament’s Civil Liberties, Justice and Home...

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 19 June 2013 The EU's Council of Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs (EPSCO) Ministers will meet to discuss employment, social policy and health on 20-21 June in Luxembourg under the Irish Presidency chairmanship of Joan Burton, Minister for Social Protection, Richard Bruton, Minister for...

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice President of the European Commission, EU Commissioner for Justice Press Conference, EU-U.S. Justice and Home Affairs Ministerial /Dublin 14 June 2013 Ladies and Gentlemen, As you know, earlier this week I sent a series of very detailed questions to Attorney General Holder about the media...

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 13 June 2013 The European Union and the United States will meet in Dublin on 13-14 June to discuss issues of common interest in the field of justice and home affairs. EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding will represent the European Commission, while the Irish Minister of...

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 12 June 2013 On the occasion of the World Day Against Child Labour (12 June), High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice President of the Commission Catherine Ashton, Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU's Justice Commissioner, Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs, Commissioner for Employment,...

European Press release Strasbourg, 11 June 2013 Commission The European Commission has today set out a series of common, non-binding principles for collective redress mechanisms in the Member States so that citizens and companies can enforce the rights granted to them under EU law where these have been infringed.

European Commission MEMO Strasbourg, 11 June 2013 What is collective redress? Collective redress is a procedural mechanism which allows for reasons of procedural economy and/or efficiency of enforcement, many single claims (relating to the same case) to be bundled into a single court action.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice President of the European Commission, EU Commissioner for Justice ViceVice Justice Council Press Conference/Luxembourg 6 June 2013 Data Protection Reform This is the last Justice Council under the Irish Presidency.

Press release Brussels, 6 June 2013 European Commission The European Commission has today paved the way for a new pilot project to improve communication between the European institutions and the deaf and hard of hearing. Today’s financing decision means the pilot project, for which the European Parliament has allocated a...

European Commission Press release Luxembourg, 6 June 2013 Victims of violence, in particular domestic violence, will soon be able to count on EU-wide protection, following today's adoption of a European Commission proposal by Justice Ministers from the EU Member States.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 5 June 2013 European Union Justice and Home Affairs ministers will meet in Luxembourg on 6 and 7 June 2013. The European Commission will be represented by Vice-President Viviane Reding, EU Commissioner for Justice and Cecilia Malmström, EU Commissioner for Home Affairs.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech: Third annual conference on missing children and 116000 hotlines Brussels, 4 June 2013 MAIN MESSAGES In 2011, a quarter of a million cases of missing children were officially reported in the EU.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 3 June 2013 1. Barcelona Targets What are the so-called 'Barcelona targets'? In March 2002 the European Council, meeting in Barcelona, agreed common targets to improve the provision of childcare in the Member States.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 3 June 2013 Member States will need to step up their efforts to improve childcare provisions if the EU is to reach its 75% employment rate target by 2020, said the European Commission in a report released today.

A Commission report on the Barcelona objectives shows that most EU countries have missed the targets agreed by the European Council in 2002 for availability and accessibility of childcare services. The reports demonstrates that investment in high quality services must be continued.

Women receive average pensions which are 39% lower compared to those of men. This report develops a new indicator for gender equality, the "Gender Pension Gap" which, together with the "Gender Pay Gap", helps to assess the magnitude of gender inequality in the course of people’s lives.

MEMO Brussels, 30 May 2013 European Commission The European Commission has welcomed progress on a proposal to make life easier for citizens and businesses in the European Union’s Single Market, following a vote today in the European Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI).

European MEMO Brussels, 28 May 2013 Commission A European Commission proposal to guarantee the rights of all citizens to be advised by a lawyer when facing criminal proceedings moved a step closer to agreement today, after a breakthrough in negotiations between the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers.

European Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding Vice-President for justice, fundamental rights and citizenship From vision to action: putting citizens at the heart of Europe The Bridge Forum Dialogue /Luxembourg 24 May 2013 Main Messages [J]ustice for citizens was the "Cinderella" of EU law.

The study, entitled 'The role of men in gender equality – European strategies and insights' has been published. The study presents conclusions and recommendations, as well as some guiding principles on how to develop policies to improve the role of men in gender equality.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 24 May 2013 Ahead of International Missing Children’s Day (25 May), European Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU's Justice Commissioner said: "As every year, the European Commission is supporting International Missing Children Day to make sure we remember children who have gone missing, today and on...

European Commission MEMO Strasbourg, 22 May 2013 Victims of violence, in particular domestic violence, will soon be able to count on EU-wide protection, after the European Parliament voted with an overwhelming majority (602 votes in favour, 23 against, 63 abstentions) to endorse the European Commission's proposal for an EU-wide protection...

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech: NATO Parliamentary Assembly/Luxembourg 19 May 2013 The Internet is the infrastructure of the modern age. It accounted for more than 20% of GDP growth in the world’s major economies over the last five years.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech - 1st International IDAHO Forum/Brussels 9 May 2013 Dear Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am very happy to be with you here today to mark the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 14 May 2013 Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU's Justice Commissioner, met with Markus Klimmer, Managing Director at Accenture, today to discuss how best to improve gender balance on company boards.

The 2012 annual report on 'Progress on equality between women and men' has just been released. Based on recent evidence and new data, it takes stock of major policy developments during the last year. The report illustrates some of the many ways in which the EU and its Member States have promoted gender equality.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner EU EU Press Conference/Brussels 8 May 2013 2013 is the European Year of Citizens. But it takes more than just a year to tear down barriers for our citizens. It takes concrete actions.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 8 May 2013 What are fundamental rights? The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights sets out a series of individual rights and freedoms. It entrenches the rights developed in the case law of the Court of Justice of the EU, found in the European Convention on Human...

European Commission Press release Brussels, 8 May 2013 Three years after it became legally binding, the impact of the European Union’s Charter of Fundamental Rights is increasingly clear. It is becoming a point of reference not only for the EU institutions when drawing up legislation but also for the European...

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 8 May 2013 What is EU citizenship? European Union citizenship is not just a concept, but a practical reality that brings tangible benefits to all of us. EU citizenship and the rights that go with it, such as the right to free movement, are key pillars...

European Commission Press release Brussels, 8 May 2013 The European Commission has today unveiled a new push to reinforce EU citizens’ rights with a series of actions to tackle obstacles that citizens still face in their everyday life.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 3 May 2013 As the debate about the future of Europe and the consequences of the economic crisis is gathering pace, the European Commission is reaching out to different European towns to listen to citizens, their concerns and hopes for the future.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 3 May 2013 9 May is Europe Day. This should be more than just a day of celebration for citizens. Therefore, already on Saturday 4 May the Commission, along with the other EU institutions, will open its doors to citizens.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 1 May 2013 Today, Mr Ognian Zlatev takes office as the new Head of the European Commission's Representation in Sofia. Mr Zlatev has been working since 2011 as Head of Communication at the Directorate General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech: Press room statement/Brussels 24 April 2013 Today, within the European Union, people can move around freely. They study, live or work abroad in the EU. Companies also move and operate cross-border.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 24 April 2013 Today the European Commission is proposing to slash red tape for citizens and businesses by doing away with bureaucratic rubber-stamping exercises currently required to get public documents like your birth certificate recognised as authentic in another EU Member State.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 24 April 2013 Why is the Commission proposing this Regulation? The proposal aims to slash costs and lengthy procedures caused by bureaucratic formalities that today require citizens and businesses to prove that their public documents (such as birth or legal status certificate) as issued by their...

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 23 March 2013 Both the United Kingdom and Ireland have announced their decision to join the Commission’s proposal to modernise current EU rules on cross border insolvency, which date from 2000.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech: General Affairs Council/Luxembourg 22 April 2013 Main Messages What we are lacking is a better developed set of instruments to fill the gaps between the "soft power" of political persuasion, the role of the Commission as the...

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner EP Plenary/Strasbourg 17 April 2013 President, Minister, Honourable Members, I want to thank the President for holding this debate today on a subject which is attracting a great deal of attention.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Commissioner for Justice Speech: EPP Group Session: 'Exploiting the potential of the single market', Dubrovnik, Croatia 12 April 2013 The Single Market is the crown jewel of the European Union.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 8 April 2013 To mark International Roma Day, the European Commission has underlined the need for further efforts by the Member States to improve the situation for Roma communities in Europe.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 4 April 2013 European Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding and United States Attorney General Eric Holder met today in Washington. They had cordial discussions on a wide range of fields of collaboration between the Department of Justice and the European Commission.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner SPEECH - Press Conference /Brussels 27 March 2013 Effective Justice Systems and Economic Growth I am here today to present a new tool that the Commission has just adopted.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 27 March 2013 What is the European Semester? The European Commission has set up a yearly cycle of economic policy coordination called the European Semester. Each year the European Commission undertakes a detailed analysis of EU Member States' programmes of economic and structural reforms and provides...

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission SPEECH - European Voice event/Brussels 26 March 2013 Main Messages of the Speech 1/ On timing: We are moving forward at full speed. It is in the coming months that policy-makers will make a decision on the data protection law that...

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 26 March 2013 In the margins of an event on the EU data protection reform, Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU's Justice Commissioner will meet Ronan Dunne, CEO of Telefónica UK to discuss the importance of the Commission’s proposed reform of EU data protection rules (see IP/12/46...

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Commissioner for Justice Speech: Citizens' Dialogue/Thessaloniki, Greece 22 March 2013 I have come to Thessaloniki to listen to you and to talk with you. This is the European Year of Citizens.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 21 March 2013 As the debate about the future of Europe and the consequences of the economic crisis is gathering pace, the European Commission is reaching out to different European towns to listen to citizens, their concerns and hopes for the future.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Commissioner for Justice Speech: CRIM Special Committee, European Parliament/Brussels 19 March 2013 Honourable Members, Ladies and Gentlemen; A new criminal landscape is emerging in Europe.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 19 March 2013 The European Commission today welcomed the adoption of an opinion by the European Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee (JURI) on the Commission’s proposal for a Data Protection Regulation reforming the EU’s data protection rules that date back to 1995 (see IP/12/46 and IP/13/57).

European Press release Brussels, 19 March 2013 Commission The European Commission has today launched a public consultation on how to improve access to justice for consumers and small businesses in small-scale cross-border disputes.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Commissioner for Justice European Consumer Summit 2013/Brussels 19 March 2013 Main Messages Why consumer protection matters – especially in times of crisis: Europe's citizens are also Europe's consumers. They are entitled to have their rights respected.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 18 March 2013 Today, Viviane Reding, Vice-President of the European Commission and Othmar Karas, Vice-President of the European Parliament launched a new generation of "Europe Direct Information Centres".

European Commission Press release Brussels, 15 March 2013 14 EU Ministers and State secretaries in charge of consumer affairs will join the European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Affairs, Tonio Borg, as well as some 450 stakeholders representing consumer and business associations, enforcement and regulatory authorities and European Consumer Centres,...

European Commission Press release Brussels, 14 March 2013 Brussels, 14 March 2013 – Today, the European Commission outlined a series of actions to tackle aggressive commercial practices across the EU such as fake ‘free’ offers, ‘bait and switch’ advertising for products which cannot be supplied, and exhortation of children.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 13 March 2013 The economic crisis is expected to have a major impact on the drugs market, for example through an increase of demand for illicit drugs, according to the findings of a study published today by the European Commission.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 12 March 2013 Under a recommendation adopted by the European Commission today, political parties should nominate a candidate for European Commission President in the next European elections (2014) and they should display their European political party affiliation.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Press conference/Strasbourg 12 March 2013 I am happy to be here today with my colleague Maroš to present today's Commission recommendations to make the upcoming European elections more democratic.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, Justice Commissioner Justice Council/Brussels 8 March 2013 On timing: A lot of ground has been covered in only 8 weeks. The first reading of the Regulation was completed in January – all its 91 articles.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 7 March 2013 On the eve of Internation Women's Day, Vice-President Viviane Reding said: "Five decades of European Union action have advanced gender equality on our continent. We have developed laws guaranteeing equal pay for equal work, equality in the workplace and minimum rights to maternity...

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 7 March 2013 Main agenda items: Reform of EU data protection rules Protecting the euro against counterfeiting through criminal law European Protection Order in civil matters Lunch debate on the European Justice Scoreboard 1.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission Speech: 2nd Annual Cloud Computing Conference/Brussels 7 March 2013 Main Messages of the Speech 1/ On timing: We are at the heart of the negotiations on the legislative proposals [on data protection]. The Irish Presidency is pushing the file forwards.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 7 March 2013 Today, at a joint working breakfast ahead of the Justice and Home Affairs Council, EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding, Vice-President of the European Commission, and, Hans-Peter Friedrich, the German Interior Minister, reaffirmed their shared objective of a reform of European data protection rules.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 26 February 2013 The EU Justice Commissioner and Vice President of the European Commission, Viviane Reding, and the German Federal Minister for Consumer Protection, Ilse Aigner, described the planned EU General Data Protection Regulation as a ‘historic opportunity’ to modernise existing data protection rules and bring them into the...

A new brochure explains what the gender pay gap is, its causes, and why closing it makes sense for both businesses and society in general. Key figures on equality between men and women in work are also provided, as well as information on the EU's work to tackle the pay gap and examples of national good practices.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 20 February 2013 The European Commission today welcomed the adoption of an opinion by the European Parliament’s Industry, Research and Energy Committee (ITRE) on the Commission’s proposals to reform the EU’s data protection rules which date back to 1995 (see IP/12/46 and IP/13/57).

European MEMO Brussels, 20 February 2013 Commission The European Commission welcomes the draft report from the European Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee (JURI) backing optional EU-wide rules for businesses and consumers who are concluding contracts in the Single Market.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 20 February 2013 As the debate about the future of Europe is gathering pace, the European Commission is reaching out to different European towns asking citizens directly for their views.

European MEMO Brussels, 19 February 2013 Commission Victims of violence, in particular domestic violence, will be able to count on EU-wide protection. Today, the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers reached a political agreement on a proposal by the European Commission for an EU-wide protection order.

European Commission Viviane Reding European Commission Vice-President responsible for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Hearing at the European Parliament: "Making the most of EU citizenship"/Brussels 19 February 2013 Honourable Members, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a pleasure to be here with you today.

Commission Press release Brussels, 19 February 2013 European 20 years after the birth of EU citizenship Europeans are broadly aware of their rights, but do not always know what these entail, according to a new Eurobarometer survey published by the European Commission today.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 11 February 2013 Today, Vice-President Viviane Reding is meeting Luigi Gambardella, chairman of ETNO, who represents the leading telecommunications network operators in Europe to discuss the EU Data Protection rules proposed by the European Commission in January 2012 (see IP/12/46 and IP/13/57).

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 6 February 2013 On the occasion of the International Day of Zero Tolerance against Female Genital Mutilation (6 February 2013) High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice President of the Commission Catherine Ashton, Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU's Justice Commissioner, Development Commissioner...

The main innovations of the proposed General Data Protection Regulation relate to the institutional system it creates rather than to the substance of data protection law. The consistency mechanism is at the heart of this system.

European Commission MEMO Strasbourg, 5 February 2013 Questions and Answers: Why do we need to protect the euro and other currencies? Counterfeiting of the euro and other currencies remains a concern throughout the European Union. The euro is particularly susceptible to counterfeiting on a transnational scale.

Press release Strasbourg, 5 February 2013 European Commission The European Commission has today proposed to crack down on criminals who counterfeit euro notes and coins. Counterfeiting of the euro is estimated to have cost at least €500 million since the currency was introduced in 2002.

European Press release Brussels, 31 January 2013 Commission The European Commission is set to examine barriers to cross-border trade in insurance products caused by different contract laws in the EU’s Member States, after today launching a call for experts to look into the problem.

European Press release Brussels, 31 January 2013 Commission The European Commission today proposed an EU-wide ban on ‘4-MA’, a synthetic substance with similar physical effects to amphetamines. The Commission asked EU Member States to prevent the drug spreading freely across Europe by submitting it to control measures.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 28 January 2013 What is the RAN? The Radicalisation Awareness Network, launched in September 2011, is an umbrella network connecting people involved in preventing radicalisation and violent extremism throughout Europe.

Commission Press release Brussels, 28 January 2013 European One year ago, ahead of the European Data Protection Day 2012, the European Commission proposed a root and branch reform of the EU’s data protection rules to make them fit for the 21st century (IP/12/46).

European Commission Memo Brussels, 28 January 2013 The European Commission will this week meet with consumer groups and business leaders in the travel industry to discuss the review of the current EU legislation on package holidays. The 1990 Package Travel Directive protects European consumers booking pre-arranged package holidays.

Over 100 million EU citizens would find it easier to use online public services to look for a job, register a car, submit a tax declaration and apply for a passport or driving license thanks to new rules proposed today by the European Commission on the International Day of People with Disability.

European Commission Press release Davos, 25 January 2013 Today the Commission released mid-term figures on the share of women on boards in publicly listed companies. The new figures show an increase in the number of women on boards to 15.8%, up from 13.7% in January 2012.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 24 January 2013 The European Commission decided today to refer the Netherlands to the Court of Justice of the European Union for not adequately protecting the rights of employees on maternity, adoption or parental leave related to their return to work.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the Commission, European Justice Commissioner Press Conference, Informal Justice Council /Dublin 18 January 2013 Today, we have had a very important discussion on how justice policies can help to reinforce stability, jobs and growth in Europe – the Justice for Growth agenda.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 16 January 2013 European Union Justice ministers will meet in Dublin on 18 January 2013. The Commission will be represented by Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU’s Justice Commissioner.

European MEMO Brussels, 10 January 2013 Commission European Parliament rapporteurs today presented two draft reports on the reform of the EU's data protection rules proposed by the European Commission just a year ago (see IP/12/46 and MEMO/12/41).

Press release Brussels, 1 January 2013 European Commission As we enter into 2013, the European Commission kicks off the European Year of Citizens, a year dedicated to you and to your rights. This European Year comes at a critical juncture in European integration - 2013 marks the 20th anniversary of...

As we enter into 2013, the European Commission kicks off the European Year of Citizens, a year dedicated to you and to your rights. This European Year comes at a critical juncture in European integration.

Press release Brussels, 21 December 2012 European Commission Ferran Tarradellas Espuny will take up office as Head of the European Commission Regional Office in Barcelona on 1 January 2013. Mr. Tarradellas joined the European Commission in 2000 initially working as a media contact in the Directorate General for Energy and...

European Commission Memo Brussels, 20 December 2012 Today, the EU Council of Ministers has adopted a European Commission proposal to make it easier for EU citizens living in another Member State to stand as candidates in the 2014 European Parliament elections.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 20 December 2012 According to the latest survey results, a large majority of Europeans (85%) think that EU Member States will have to work more closely together to tackle the crisis.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 20 December 2012 Brussels, 20 December 2012 – Under new rules which enter force tomorrow, insurers in Europe will have to charge the same prices to women and men for the same insurance products without distinction on the grounds of sex.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 20 December 2012 What will change on 21 December? From 21 December 2012, insurance companies in the European Union will have to charge the same price to men and women for the same insurance products, without distinction on the grounds of sex.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 19 December 2012 Brussels, 19 December 2012 – The European Commission has today formally recognised the adequacy of personal data protection in New Zealand, opening the way for increased trade with the European Union.

Press release Brussels, 19 December 2012 European Commission Jacqueline Minor has been appointed as Head of Representation in the United Kingdom. She will take office on 16 February 2013. Having worked as Director for Consumer Affairs in DG Health and Consumers for the last five years, Mrs Minor is an...

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the Commission, European Justice Commissioner Speech - CCBE debate on the proposed Common European Sales Law / Brussels 17 December 2012 Ladies and gentlemen, Thank you very much for inviting me to speak to you today.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech - Press Conference: Modern insolvency rules to give businesses a second chance / Strasbourg 12 December 2012 I am here today to tell you about a proposal which the Commission has just adopted which will bring relief...

European Commission Press release Strasbourg, 12 December 2012 Today the European Business Schools Women on Boards Initiative is migrating their 'Global Board Ready Women' list of 8 000 women into an online database. The women on this list all fulfil stringent criteria for Corporate Governance as defined by publicly listed...

Businesses hit by the economic crisis will be thrown a lifeline under a new proposal from the European Commission to modernise Europe’s rules on cross-border business insolvency, helping to give otherwise viable businesses a ‘second chance’.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 7 December 2012 In the recent LIBOR scandal, serious concerns have been raised about the manipulation of benchmarks, which can result in significant losses to consumers and investors, or distort the real economy.

On 25 January 2012, the Commission presented its data protection reform proposal. It sparked an intense, vibrant, fascinating debate. Here's what the reform does and does not do. It's important not to get side-tracked.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech - Fundamental Rights Conference 2012 / Brussels 6 December 2012 Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a pleasure to be with you for this year's Fundamental Rights Conference, hosted by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights.

European Commission Press Release Brussels, 6 December 2012 Businesses and consumers will be able to resolve cross-border legal disputes more easily, thanks to a reform adopted by European justice ministers today. Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU's Justice Commissioner, welcomed the adoption by the Council of the reformed rules to...

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 5 December 2012 European Union Justice and Home Affairs ministers will meet in Brussels on 6 and 7 December 2012. The Commission will be represented by Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU’s Justice Commissioner.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission Centrum für Europarecht an der University Passau / Passau 8 November 2012 “If you really want sound budgetary policies over the long term, you need a European finance minister answerable to the European Parliament and with clear rights to intervene vis-à-vis...

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner 3rd Annual European Data Protection and Privacy Conference /Brussels 4 December 2012 Ladies and Gentlemen, 1995 was a long time ago. In terms of digital technologies, a different age. Since then, the internet has blossomed.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission European Commissioner for Justice Speech - Federation of German Industries event at the Representation of the Land Baden-Württemberg to the European Union / Brussels 27 November 2012 Ladies and Gentlemen, I am very pleased to be able to speak to you...

European Commission Press release Brussels, 3 December 2012 Brussels, 3 December 2012 – Today European Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding has handed the Access City Award 2013 to the city of Berlin. The prize has been awarded in recognition of Berlin's comprehensive and strategic approach to creating an accessible city for...

Commission Press release Brussels, 30 November 2012 European Brussels, 30 November 2012 – Europeans strongly believe that disabled people should be able to participate fully in society, according to a new survey by the European Commission released ahead of the European Day for People with Disabilities on 3 December.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Forum of the Committee of the Regions / Brussels 28 November 2012 Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a pleasure to be here with you today to discuss the European Year of Citizens 2013.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech - Press Conference / Brussels 27 November 2012 Every day in Europe hundreds of small businesses fall victim to marketing scams.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 27 November 2012 What is a marketing practice? A marketing practice is any representation or communication made by a trader in order to promote goods and services. It can be a TV commercial or press article, information on the website, an e-mail, or even direct marketing...

European Commission Ms Viviane Reding Vice-President, Member of the Commission responsible for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Women's Finance Forum / Hamburg 15 November 2012 Key statements: We did it: yesterday, the European Commission made gender equality history.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 24 November 2012 Ahead of the International Day for Eliminating Violence against Women (25 November 2012), Vice-President Reding, the EU's Justice Commissioner made the following statement: “Across Europe, around 1 in 5 women have suffered physical violence at least once in their lives and 1 in...

European Commission Press release Brussels, 23 November 2012 2013 has been officially named "The European Year of Citizens". 20 years after the introduction of EU Citizenship, the year will focus both on what has already been achieved for citizens and on meeting citizens' expectations for the future.

Commission MEMO Strasbourg, 20 November 2012 European The European Commission's proposals to help businesses and consumers resolve cross-border legal disputes more easily received the support of the European Parliament today.

Commission Press release Brussels, 20 November 2012 European It will now be easier for EU citizens living in another Member State to stand as candidates in the 2014 European Parliament elections, following a vote on a European Commission proposal in the European Parliament today.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 20 November 2012 Tomorrow, the European Commission will confirm Lithuania's decision to join the enhanced cooperation procedure allowing international couples to select which country's law would apply to their divorce and legal separation.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission Speech to the Swiss Bankers' Association / Zurich 16 November 2012 Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a great honour to have been invited to speak at this symposium marking one hundred years of the Swiss Bankers' Association.

European MEMO Brussels, 19 November 2012 Commission Today the Commission adopted a recommendation that will allow it to negotiate the modernisation of Convention 108, the Council of Europe's convention on data protection, on behalf of the European Union.

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Press Conference /Brussels 14 November 2012 Today is a historic day for gender equality! After decades of empty promises and failed attempts at self-regulation, we still have an effective 85% male quota on the supervisory boards of Europe's...

European Commission Press release Brussels, 14 November 2012 Today the European Commission has taken action to break the glass ceiling that continues to bar female talent from top positions in Europe’s biggest companies. The Commission has proposed legislation with the aim of attaining a 40% objective of the under-represented sex...

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 14 November 2012 Why do we need legislation to improve the gender balance on the boards of listed companies? At present, 91.1% of executive board members, 85% of non-executive board members and 96.8% of the boardroom chairs are men, while women make up 8.9%, 15% and...

Today the European Commission has taken action to break the glass ceiling that continues to bar female talent from top positions in Europe’s biggest companies. The Commission has proposed legislation with the aim of attaining a 40% objective of the under-represented sex in non-executive board-member positions in publicly listed companies, with the exception of small and medium enterprises. Currently, boards are dominated by one gender: 85% of non-executive board members and 91.1% of executive board members are men, while women make up 15% and 8.9% respectively.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 13 November 2012 A new European law to improve rights for an estimated 75 million crime victims across the European Union each year will be published in the Official Journal – the EU's statute book – tomorrow.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 6 November 2012 On the request of the European Commission, the Court of Justice of the European Union today ruled that the abrupt and radical lowering of the retirement age for judges, prosecutors and notaries in Hungary violates EU equal treatment rules (Directive 2000/78/EC).

Regional Court of Antwerp won the the 2012 European Crystal Scales of Justice prize for innovative court practices. The prize was awarded in Vilnius, marking the European Day of Civil Justice, in presence of the Minister of Justice of Lithuania. The jury examined 38 applications from some 18 European States.

European Commission Today we had a very constructive Justice Council meeting. I would like to thank the Cypriot Presidency for all their hard work over the past four months in helping to move our 'Justice for Growth' proposals forward.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 24 October 2012 European Union Justice and Home Affairs ministers will meet in Brussels on 25 and 26 October 2012. The Commission will be represented by Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU’s Justice Commissioner, Cecilia Malmström, EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Kristalina Georgieva, EU Commissioner for...

The EP's Legal Affairs Committee voted to back the reform of rules to determine which national court has jurisdiction in cross-border cases and how court judgements issued in one EU country are recognised and enforced in another.

Commission MEMO Brussels, 11 October 2012 European European Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU's Justice Commissioner, today welcomed a vote by the European Parliament's Legal Affairs Committee (JURI) to support her proposals to help businesses and consumers resolve cross-border legal disputes more easily.

European Commission Ladies and gentlemen, To talk about women on boards is very much en vogue these days. Discussions around that theme often turn out to become passionate or ideological. That is why it might be interesting to look back and trace the origins of today’s debates.

European Commission Press release Luxembourg, 4 October 2012 European Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU's Justice Commissioner, today welcomed the final adoption of a new European law which will improve rights for an estimated 75 million crime victims across the EU each year.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 2 October 2012 Four months after the European Commission's first report on the EU Framework for national Roma integration strategies (see IP/12/499), a network of coordinators responsible for the national Roma integration strategies from the EU's 27 Member States is today meeting in Brussels to discuss...

European Commission Press release Brussels, 27 September 2012 The European Commission decided today to refer Belgium to the Court of Justice of the European Union for hindering the right to free movement of children born in Belgium who have one Belgian parent and one parent of another EU Member State...

European Commission Press release Brussels, 27 September 2012 The European Commission is referring Cyprus and the Netherlands to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to notify national measures to implement EU rules easing access to justice in cross-border legal disputes.

Euronews episode of Right on takes a look at online shopping: Less than one in ten Europeans buy online from other EU countries. For both consumers and sellers, the process is simply too complicated... To boost cross-border trade, cut costs and give customers greater choice, the EU has drafted a Common European Sales Law.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 21 September 2012 Hunting for cross-border bargains is a way for consumers to get the 'best deal' across the EU's internal market. Shopping online makes these bargains ever more accessible.

"Today we Europeans should unite, to remember all those who have fallen victim to totalitarian regimes and those who fought against such regimes." This was EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding's message on the European Day of Remembrance of the victims of all totalitarian and authoritarian regimes. The day marks the anniversary of the 23 August 1939, when a pact was signed between Nazi Germany, under Hitler and the Soviet Union, under Stalin, that changed the face of history.

European Commission MEMO Strasbourg, 12 September 2012 European Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU's Justice Commissioner, today welcomed a vote by the European Parliament to back a new law improving rights for crime victims across the EU.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 31 August 2012 Over 8404 EU-citizens have already had their say on the future of Europe by participating in the broad web-based consultation on citizens' rights and the future of Europe launched by the European Commission – the latest figures released today show.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 17 August 2012 So far, over 5,500 EU-citizens have participated in one of the broadest web based consultations in the EU's history on citizens' rights and the future of Europe – the latest Commission figures released today show.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 19 June 2012 Today, EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding met with European Industry Associations, European Business Schools and Senior Executive Women to discuss progress being made on improving the gender balance in company boardrooms.

European Commission Background LIBOR scandal: why are we acting? These days we are again dealing with the effects of potentially criminal misconduct in the financial markets. This time it is about interest rate-rigging by banks.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 25 July 2012 In the recent LIBOR scandal, serious concerns have been raised about false submissions of banks' estimated interbank lending rates. Any actual or attempted manipulation of such key benchmarks can have a serious impact on market integrity, and could result in significant losses...

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 10 July 2012 With the holiday season already starting and millions of Europeans intending on travelling within and outside the European Union, there are certain travel considerations that every European should be aware of.

European Commission How has society changed as the world is becoming more digital? – This is the central question of this year's DLD Women conference. Data is racing ever faster, we grow ever closer together. Totally connected, we live in a global village where technical standards are becoming more similar...

European Commission Press release Brussels, 11 July 2012 Misuse of EU funds for criminal purposes puts the EU's objectives of generating jobs and growth and improving living conditions at stake. With public finances under pressure throughout the EU, every euro counts.

European Commission Today I am here with my colleague Algirdas, the EU’s anti-fraud Commissioner, to present the new EU rules that the Commission has just adopted to better equip us to fight against fraud damaging the EU budget.

Criminal misuse of EU funds puts the EU's objectives of growth and jobs at stake. Throughout the EU, every euro counts. Proposed new rules will fight fraud against the EU budget by means of criminal law to better safeguard taxpayers' money.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 10 July 2012 European Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU's Justice Commissioner, today welcomed a vote by two European Parliament committees which supports the Commission's proposals to improve rights for crime victims throughout Europe.

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 3 July 2012 More needs to be done to strengthen the representation of women in sport and in sport governing bodies, as well as the fight against discrimination and sexual harassment. This is the message in a letter from two leading European Commissioners to the Presidents...

Is it a virtual strip search that reveals too much or a vital new tool in aviation security? Full body security scanners at European airports have been the focus of much debate, and held up as a prime example of why our fundamental rights need to be closely watched.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 19 June 2012 Today, Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU's Justice Commissioner, opened the inaugural meeting of the expert group on EU criminal policy. Twenty high-level legal experts, academics and practitioners, are meeting to discuss and advise the European Commission on key questions of EU criminal...

European Commission MAIN MESSAGES OF THE SPEECH On Brussels I Today we achieved a breakthrough on the reform of the Brussels I regulation which abolishes the time-consuming and costly 'exequatur' procedure in civil and commercial cases.

European Commission Press release Brussels, 7 June 2012 "You have the right to… - a Letter of Rights". A new law to ensure defendants' right to information during criminal proceedings throughout the European Union has been published in the Official Journal – the EU's statute book.

European Commission presents its first assessment of the national Roma integration strategies submitted by the Member States as response to the EU Framework for Roma integration presented in April last year

Only empowered and confident consumers can fully exploit the potential of the Single Market and enhance innovation and growth. This is why the European Commission's strategic vision for EU consumer policy for the years to come – adopted today - aims to maximise consumer participation and trust in the market.

Brussels, 23 May 2012 – The European Commission has called on EU Member States, in a report adopted today, to implement their national strategies to improve the economic and social integration of Europe's 10 to 12 million Roma. Member States developed these plans in response to the Commission's EU Framework for national Roma integration strategies adopted on 5 April 2011 which was endorsed by EU leaders soon afterwards.

In Europe, growing up lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender can be challenging: difference often leads to bullying, self-harm, and sometimes suicide attempts. Studies consistently point to higher physical and mental health risks for LGBT young people.

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 8 May 2012 – 9 May is Europe Day. This should be more than just a day of celebration for citizens. As of tomorrow, the European Commission will be calling on citizens all over the European Union to help set the policy agenda for...

Ladies and gentlemen, I am grateful for the opportunity to continue our discussion on the reform proposal on data protection. Since I last met many of you, in December at the last Working Party 29 meeting, the Commission adopted its proposals for a reform of the EU's data protection rules.

SPEECH/12/266 Ladies and Gentleman, I am very pleased to be here in the Centre for European Policy Studies to present the 2011 Annual Report on the application of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. I am convinced that we need the fresh ideas of people ...

- Press release European Commission Brussels, 16 April 2012 – The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights – now in force and legally binding for more than two years – has guided EU law-making from the very first draft all the way through to the statute book.

Brussels, 16 April 2012 – The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights – now in force and legally binding for more than two years – has guided EU law-making from the very first draft all the way through to the statute book. The Charter sets out fundamental rights – such as freedom of expression and the protection of personal data – that reflect Europe’s common values and its constitutional heritage. The European Commission's second annual report on the Charter finds that fundamental rights concerns are increasingly embedded in EU policy-making.

﻿Brussels, 16 April 2012 – Improving equality between women and men is essential to the EU's response to the current economic crisis, according to the European Commission's latest annual report on gender equality. The report looks at progress over the past year in tackling the remaining gaps between women and men in employment, the economy and society in general. While some progress has been made in increasing the number of women in top jobs in business and in narrowing the gender pay gap, major challenges remain.

The Commission hereby invites applications from individuals with a view to establishing a group of experts the Commission with the revision of Council Regulation (EC) 1346/2000 on insolvency proceedings (the "Insolvency Regulation").

- Press release European Commission Brussels, 30 March 2012 – Today, the European Commission launched a public consultation on modernising EU rules governing insolvencies. The existing rules (the Insolvency Regulation) date from 2000 and set out how bankruptcies – of companies or individuals – should be coordinated between several EU...

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 7 March 2012 – The European Commission has today decided on further steps following Hungary’s reply to three letters of formal notice of 17 January (see IP/12/24) and their legal analysis.

Brussels, 7 March 2012 On 1 January, a new Constitution and a number of cardinal laws entered into force in Hungary. The European Commission immediately conducted a full legal analysis of the final versions of the new provisions and their compatibility with European Union Treaties and decided to launch three...

09 March 2012 Women in Decision-Making Persistent lack of women on company boards – EU action needed to break the glass ceiling A European Commission report shows that the number of women in company boards remains at low levels.

The second European Equal Pay Day (EEPD) took place on 2 March 2012. This EU-wide day aims to raise awareness of the pay gap that exists between women and men in the different EU Member States and encourage action to close it.

Brussels, 5 March 2012 – A European Commission report published today shows that limited progress towards increasing the number of women on company boards has been achieved one year after EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding called for credible self-regulatory measures. Just one in seven board members at Europe's top firms is a woman (13.7%). This is a slight improvement from 11.8% in 2010. However, it would still take more than 40 years to reach a significant gender balance (at least 40% of both sexes) at this rate.

A new web clip that highlights the absurdity of pay inequalities between women and men is among the new materials now available on this website. We invite you to forward it to your contacts to help ensure it reaches a large audience.

70% of EU citizens are worried about the misuse of their personal data. That's why the EU is developing rules to strengthen your right to access, change or delete your data. And it's adding a 'Right to be Forgotten' online, letting you remove all your data from a website as soon as you want it gone. Because your personal data, it's you.

Today was the first time that ministers debated at EU level how to improve the participation of women on company boards. Everyone agreed that there is a problem with women’s participation at the top level of companies. There was unanimity that we need to do something.

Davos, 27 January 2012 28 January is European Data Protection Day, a joint initiative by the European Commission and the Council of Europe to raise awareness of how people's personal information is dealt with and their rights to data protection.

Brussels, 25 January 2012 – The European Commission has today proposed a comprehensive reform of the EU's 1995 data protection rules to strengthen online privacy rights and boost Europe's digital economy. Technological progress and globalisation have profoundly changed the way our data is collected, accessed and used. In addition, the 27 EU Member States have implemented the 1995 rules differently, resulting in divergences in enforcement. A single law will do away with the current fragmentation and costly administrative burdens, leading to savings for businesses of around €2.3 billion a year. The initiative will help reinforce consumer confidence in online services, providing a much needed boost to growth, jobs and innovation in Europe.

Ladies and gentlemen, I am glad to be back at the DLD (Digital, Life, Design). Since its foundation in 2005, this one-of-a kind conference allows people from business, technology, media and politics to exchange dreams and experiences about the transformation of markets, culture and society through digital technologies and the...

1 in 6 Europeans have some sort of disability. This should not be an obstacle to their equal access to jobs, public services or new technology. The Roma are the largest ethnic minority in Europe. As equal EU citizens, they enjoy the same rights as everyone else in Europe, and should be allowed to enjoy them without facing discrimination or exclusion.

Following developments in 2011 related to the new Hungarian Constitution and the commitments taken by the Commission at that time to closely monitor the situation, the Commission has been working with the Hungarian authorities over recent months during the preparation of the draft cardinal laws implementing the new Constitution. The Commission has raised concerns on the compatibility of these laws with European Union law.